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Official Website

Nearby Subway Stops

Prices

$15-$24

Payment Methods

American Express, MasterCard, Visa

Special Features

Delivery

Romantic

Take-Out

Alcohol

Beer and Wine Only

Reservations

Accepted/Not Necessary

Profile

This venue is closed.

Vandalism isn’t usually associated with upscale dining, but the two are oddly linked at this UES Italian eatery. I Vandali, meaning "the vandals" in Italian, promotes graffiti on its white-paneled walls by placing cups of crayons on tables—though such gimmicks seem unnecessary when the food is this good. Chef Marco Sanmartino (formerly of Cento Lire) serves delectable small plates and shareable entrees in a space that has an otherwise elegant feel—exposed brick, dark wood touches. Eclectic decoration, like birds' wings and strings of pearls, imbue the place with a breezy, somewhat romantic sensibility. Most meals begin with a gratis garbanzo and and bacalao starter—a good primer for appetizers like tasty fried meatballs and "ugly” tomatoes with bufala mozzarella. Many entrée offerings also delight—you'll find tender, whole baked branzino, rosemary-scented free-range chicken, and an impossibly fresh fettuccine with tomatoes. — Alexis Korman